The coercive repatriation of Burundian refugees risks reproducing cycles of displacement ahead of Burundi’s 2027 elections. Since December 2025, tens of thousands of Burundian refugees in Tanzania have returned to Burundi, mainly from Nduta camp, which closed in April. Most had fled Burundi after former president Pierre Nkurunziza’s decision to seek a third term triggered violent protests in 2015, followed by a failed coup and repression. The returns accelerated after November 2025 when the Tanzania-Burundi-United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) tripartite commission agreed to close Nduta and Nyarugusu camps by mid-2026, affecting about 142 000 Burundian refugees. Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn Refugees, humanitarian organisations and civil society organisations (CSOs) have documented intimidation by Tanzanian police against refugees. In Burundi, the arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances of civilians heighten refugees’ fears for their safety. Members or supporters of Burundi’s political opposition are especially worried about persecution...

Egyptian giants Pyramids FC have made a strong move for Burundian winger Jean-Claude Girumugisha, but their opening bid of $1.5 million has been rejected by Al Hilal. The Sudanese champions remain firm on their valuation of the highly rated attacker and are understood to be willing to sell only if they receive an offer in the region of $5 million. Sources close to the club indicate that Al Hilal are reluctant to lower their asking price, although they could consider a slightly reduced fee if a major European club enters the race for the player. Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines ALSO READ: Girumugisha bags hat trick as Al Hilal thrash Bugesera FC Girumugisha has established himself as one of the most exciting attacking talents in East and Central African football. He is also the leading contender for the BK Pro League Player of the Season...

Burundi’s president Évariste Ndayishimiye made an official “friendship and working” visit to Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, in April 2026. At the time, Ndayishimiye was the rotating chair of the African Union. The visit aimed to reopen dialogue between the continental body and the Alliance of Sahel States. The alliance brings together Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. It is currently chaired by Mali’s leader, Ibrahim Traoré. The three states withdrew from African Union bodies in January 2025. Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn During his visit, the Burundian president praised Burkina Faso’s efforts to restore and stablise the country. This is despite the country being governed by a military junta whose leader has publicly said democracy is not a priority. Behind Ndayishimiye’s diplomatic rhetoric lies a form of solidarity between authoritarian regimes that reject constitutional constraints. My doctoral research examined international sanctions imposed by the...